DATE OF ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17297, 22 October 1919, Page 10

DATE OF ELECTIONS.

STATEMENT BY MR. MASSEY.

NO DECISION REACHED.

THE MAORI POLLING DAY.

[BY TELEGRAPH.SPECIAL REPORTER]

WELLINGTON. Tuesday

The Leader of the Opposition, Sir Joseph Ward, asked the Prime Minister to-day if it would not bo possible to hold the Maori elections on the same day as the European elections. He also asked if it was true, as stated by the Minister for Finance in Christchurch, that the general ejection was to be held in the first week in

December,

Mr. Massey said neither he nor the Minister for Finance could answer the Litter question, because the date had not ye', been tixed-

In regard to the Maori elections, he thought it would be well to consult the wishes of the Maori members. He had already been approached in regard to this matter. One reason why they could not ho held on the. same day was that the same halls were required in sonic places us for the European elections. It had been suggested to him that thoy should be held one or two days before or a day after the European elections. Personally, he had no objection to their being held on the same day. There was some doubt as to whether they would he able to work on the new rol, this year. In regard to the date, he would be very clad to entertain the wishes of the native members.

h;r Joseph Ward said Sir James Carroll had expressed the- opinion that they should be held on the same day. Mr. Massey : I hare not the least objection.